Integrative Neurophysiology

Researcher

Research Overview

A/Prof. Verberne’s laboratory has focussed on central cardiovascular control mechanisms from the early 1990s. Since 2004 we have shifted our focus to central autonomic control of pancreatic and adrenal secretion in response to iatrogenic (insulin-induced) hypoglycaemia.

Research highlights:

Identification of specific groups of neurons in the medulla, midbrain and cerebral cortex that are important for blood pressure control via modulation of the sympathetic outflow to the blood vessels and the heart.

Identification of brainstem neurons that control pancreatic exocrine and endocrine secretion and how the brain regulates the level of glucose in the blood.

Identification of previously undescribed groups of neurons in the hypothalamus and brain stem that are intimately involved in the response to hypoglycaemia, an important side-effect of the treatment of diabetes.